Health
IN RECENT WEEKS, news emerged that two supplement brands have opted to recall their products voluntarily. The cause: The detection of substances commonly found in erectile dysfunction (ED) medications.
(Take a moment to react.)
On Wednesday, Natural Dior, LLC, revealed they are recollecting the impacted batch of their Vitafer-L Gold Liquid beverage across the country due to undeclared amounts of tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis, a well-known ED solution. This beverage is promoted as a supplement filled with “vital vitamins and minerals.” In November, the FDA issued a warning regarding another similar product from this company due to traces of the same substance.
Last week saw another item being recalled for identical reasons. One Source Nutrition, Inc., voluntarily withdrew their Vitality capsules from shelves after finding traces of tadalafil and sildenafil, another ED medication. These capsules were marketed for “male enhancement.”
Yes , it ’ s perplexing that a supplement aimed at enhancing sexual performance would contain an ED drug as an ingredient , but be aware that products containing sildenafil and tadalafil cannot be advertised as dietary supplements according to FDA regulations .
Tadalafil and sildenafil are classified as phosphodiesterase ( PDE – 5 ) inhibitors that expand blood vessels to enhance blood flow while lowering blood pressure. And here’s where it gets risky if you’re unaware you’re consuming them : They can interact with nitrates found in other medications designed for diabetes , hypertension , high cholesterol , and heart conditions leading to dangerously low blood pressure levels which could be lethal .
What’s alarming is that recalls like these aren’t especially rare . Eight similar recalls occurred in2024.Five took place in2023.
And no,the presence o f these undeclared drugs within dietary supplements is typicallynota coincidence.
When companies produce and distribute dietary supplements they bear obligation for ensuring product quality—by knowing what ingredients are included,and testing for potential contaminants.Although dietary supplements undergo regular scrutiny by the FDA,the manufacturers and distributors hold full accountability for ensuring these products meet quality standards before they reach consumers.FDA inspections usually occur only after these items have already been available on store shelves due to the sheer volume of products available on the market.
It’s understood that drugs like tadalafil aim at treating erectile dysfunction.Hence,it isn’t surprising they might appear as components within ‘male enhancement’ dietary supplements,says Robert Durkin,a former Acting Director & Deputy Director at FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplement Programs within its Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition.
To neglect testing for such substances [prior]to launching any supplement into commerce indicates either ignorance towards manufacturing standards or intentional negligence,” he states.“Regrettably,often it becomes part of business strategy until caught by authorities.”
This implies Company A may create or permit production involving enhancements using ED drugs.they will sell it until detected by regulatory bodies.Once caught,the profits made will be pocketed while waiting out several months before establishing Company B under different branding offering nearly identical items until again facing scrutiny—if ever,Durkin explains.The cycle persists endlessly.
Let this serve as an crucial reminder: Always consult your physician or nutritionist prior taking any additional or alternative nutritional aid.Should you decide on purchasing any supplement ensure they’re produced/distributed by trustworthy firms having undergone third-party evaluations such as N SForI nformed Choice.These certifications can assist ensure you’re receiving precisely what’s indicated on labels.
